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Main Street Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Danville Blog

Ortho Emergency: What to Do if Your Child Breaks Their Braces

February 5, 2025

Little boy in blue shirt with braces smiling

Braces are the tried-and-true method for straightening smiles because they have a long history of effectively fixing even the most severe misalignments, regardless of a patient’s age. It consists of metal brackets cemented to the enamel, which are threaded with an archwire that can be adjusted to exert the right amount of pressure to pull your child’s pearly whites into their ideal positions.

However, your kid must care for their orthodontics carefully to avoid injuring them, which can interrupt their treatment timeline. Continue reading to learn about 3 steps you can take if your child breaks their braces!

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Why Do I Need to Wear Rubber Bands on My Braces?

December 19, 2024

A closeup of a girl wearing rubber bands on her braces

When you wear braces, there’s always a chance you may need to make adjustments along your way. One important change your orthodontist may recommend is wearing rubber bands (elastics).  Here’s why this happens, and what you can expect from treatment.

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6 Common Problems You May Encounter with Braces

October 17, 2024

A smiling teenage girl with braces.

Getting braces is a time-tested way to straighten your smile and correct a bad bite. But sometimes treatment can have a few bumps along the way. Here are a few common issues that patients encounter when wearing them, and what you can do to help your child cope if they do!

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Not Rocket Science: Basic Things to Know about Dental Insurance for Your Child

August 13, 2024

mom holding her child at the dentist’s front desk

For complex subjects and industries, it’s difficult to fully understand them unless you dedicate substantial time and effort. However, you don’t have to be a brain surgeon or rocket scientist to get some of the basics. When it comes to coverage for your child, you don’t have to be a dental insurance guru to grasp the important information you need to know. Here are some of the main points that can help you understand the basics of dental insurance for your kiddo!

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Is Tooth Sensitivity a Dental Emergency?

June 20, 2024

A little boy holding his face in pain.

Being sensitive can be a good thing. It can help you understand other people’s perspectives, or even to truly appreciate the meaning behind a kind gesture. But when it comes to your teeth, sensitivity isn’t a good thing. Especially if it’s a warning sign of a bigger problem. Thankfully, sensitivity doesn’t always mean there’s a dental emergency, but how do you know if it does? Here are some common reasons for it, and what you should do if it occurs.

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Should Your Child Go to the ER for a Dental Emergency?

May 2, 2024

patient with dental emergency holding their cheek

Experiencing a dental emergency can be distressing and painful for your child, impacting their school performance, sleep, and eating habits. Knowing whether to take your child to their pediatric dentist or the emergency room is crucial for timely treatment. Read on to understand when a dental emergency requires immediate attention from a pediatric dentist and when it’s better to visit the emergency room.

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5 Effective Ways to Help Your Child Avoid a Dental Emergency

April 16, 2024

a child’s smile with a broken tooth

No matter the age of your child, they’re likely to be full of energy, making them prime targets for dental injuries. Whether they spend most of their time outside climbing trees, riding their bike, or playing sports, a dental emergency is always a concern. While not all accidents can be avoided, there is a lot you can do to lower their risks. Keep reading to discover five ways you can help your child reduce their chances of a serious dental injury. 

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Bracing Moments: 4 Iconic Braces of Pop Culture

March 15, 2024

Mabel Pines from Gravity Falls smiling with her braces

Braces are a staple of orthodontic treatment, but they don’t often make their mark on pop culture. When a braces-wearing character does appear, however, they can often steal the show! From heartwarming coming-of-age stories to hilarious comedy moments, braces have been featured in various forms of entertainment. But what beloved characters and people really rocked them? Read on to find some of the best braces in pop culture history!

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Braces Survival Essentials: Tools for Success

February 9, 2024

Child smiling with braces

For those wanting a nice, straight smile braces are a tried-and-true method to get there. They can treat even the most severe bite issues with proper planning and care. Even so, they do have a reputation for being hard to maintain, especially for kiddos. Not to worry! If you follow along with this guide, you’ll find all the essential tools your child will need to thrive! Continue reading to learn about all the essentials your child can use for their very own braces survival kit.

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Dental Insurance Inquiries: What is a Waiting Period?

January 15, 2024

Computer on a desk displaying dental benefits

If you’ve recently acquired dental insurance, you’re probably eager to schedule your or your child’s first checkup, especially if it’s been a little while since your last appointment. Before you contact your pediatric dentist, however, it’s important to be aware of all of the terms and conditions of your policy. Many insurance plans include waiting periods so you might not be able to get your checkup immediately. If you’re unsure what this is or why it’s necessary, keep reading to learn more about it!

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